Assistant Teachers for Kindergarten, First and Second Grade

Wissahickon Charter School•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Wissahickon Charter School is seeking Assistant Teachers for Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades for its Fernhill and Awbury Campuses. This role is crucial in improving the academic and social-emotional outcomes of children across Philadelphia. The position involves significant classroom and recess duties, including supporting lead teachers, instructing students, managing classroom behavior, communicating with parents, and participating in outdoor programming.

Requirements

High School degree required
All required FBI and PA clearances
Commitment to honest and open dialogue about race, equity and bias in our school systems and relationships
Interest in the mission of Wissahickon Charter School, and a belief that all children can learn

Nice To Haves

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred
A degree in education is a plus
Experience working with students in a similar age range, in an urban school setting preferred
Appreciation of the unique strengths and challenges of students in grades K-2
Ability to work with a variety of colleagues who have diverse planning and teaching styles
Commitment to learning about and consistently implementing WCS curricula and behavior management systems
Reflective and open to feedback and coaching

Responsibilities

Assisting the lead teacher during lessons
Leading students in small breakout groups guided by the teacher's direction
Instructing students one-on-one when necessary
Communicating daily with the lead teacher
Supporting classroom management and student discipline follow-up
Substitute teaching when the lead teacher or specialists are out
Participating in outdoor, all-weather Forest School programming
Communicating with parents via School Status, Kickboard and other school communication platforms
Holding students accountable to individual classroom rules and Wissahickon Charter School (WCS) rules
Completing administrative duties for the classroom as needed (data entry, homework review, filing, making copies)
Supporting students using the "Talk it Out" method for resolving conflicts
Understanding and applying Responsive Classroom (RC) techniques when interacting with students and colleagues
Noticing and conveying uncharacteristic student behavior to teachers, counselors or other administration to ensure students' well being
Ensuring the welfare and safety of the students at all times during recess
Engaging students on various levels during recess, from group activities and sports to conversations
Supporting students on a one-on-one basis during recess if necessary
Being mindful of other community members sharing outdoor space and ensuring student safety
Encouraging environmental exploration during recess if possible
Interacting with students in a friendly but professional manner during recess
Holding students accountable to all WCS rules during recess
Enforcing disciplinary action with consistency when infractions occur during recess
Supporting students using the "Talk it Out" method and understanding and applying Responsive Classroom (RC) techniques during recess
Being on time and present in your role each day
Conducting yourself in a professional manner at all times
Reading and responding to email within 48 hours
Understanding what constitutes appropriate interactions with students and other staff members
Ensuring adult conversations are held in spaces provided for adults
Wearing business casual clothing with the understanding that ATs will go outdoors each day in all seasons
Limiting cell phone and other electronic use to break times or when emergencies arise; always away from students when possible
Contacting your supervisor and lead teacher when you are unable to come to work via phone and/or email